“I believe the travel and refugee ban threaten basic principles of democracy citizenship, equality before the law, and a just and open society,” Cheetham said in the article. “The halt to the refugee program violates basic principles of kindness, consideration, and hospitality for our fellow humans.”

Cheetham made it clear that Azavea, a certified B Corporation with a civic and social impact mission, retains its nonpartisan stance. However, due to the challenges the measure poses from both a business and ethical standpoint, it was appropriate to speak up.

“These executive orders undermine that legacy and threaten the future health of our democracy, the prosperity of the country, and our basic humanity,” Cheetham said.